Optical device

ABSTRACT

An optical device and a use thereof are provided. The optical device is a member in which transmittance can vary depending on whether or not an external action is present, and has excellent durability.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application claims the benefit of priority based on KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2015-0148738 filed on Oct. 26, 2015, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an optical device and a use thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

A sunroof usually means a fixed or operating (venting or sliding)opening that is present in the ceiling of a vehicle and serves to allowlight or fresh air to enter the interior of the vehicle. Such a sunroofmay be operated manually or driven by a motor, and there are variouskinds in the shape, size or style of the sunroof according to theintended use. For example, the sunroof is classified, according to theoperating method, as a pop-up type sunroof, a spoiler (tile & slide)type sunroof, an in-built type sunroof, a folding type sunroof, atop-mount type sunroof, a panoramic loop system type sunroof, aremovable roof panels (t-tops or targa roofs) type sunroof or a solartype sunroof, and the like. Also, research on the material of thesunroof is actively under way, and for example, Patent Document 1discloses a technique of manufacturing a sunroof having excellentabsorption of ultraviolet and solar rays using a glass composition of aspecific composition.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The present application provides an optical device in whichtransmittance varies depending on whether or not an external action isapplied.

The optical device of the present application can effectively preventdeterioration of durability by thermal deformation.

Technical Solution

The present application relates to an optical device and a use thereof.

In the optical device of the present application, the transmittancevaries depending on whether or not an external action is applied, andsuch an optical device can be used as a transmittance variable member,for example, a sunroof for a vehicle, and the like.

The optical device according to the present application can selectivelyswitch between a transmissive mode and a blocking mode by introducing aliquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal compound that variesdepending on whether or not an external action is applied.

The optical device according to the present application can alsoeffectively prevent a bending phenomenon of the device due to thedifference in an elastic modulus and a coefficient of thermal expansionbetween a substrate and a polarizing layer or between the substrate andother layers by appropriately designing positions and structures of asubstrate, a polarizing layer and a liquid crystal layer.

The optical device of the present application has a first substrate; afirst polarizing layer located on the first substrate; and a liquidcrystal window including a liquid crystal layer having a liquid crystalcompound.

FIG. 1 depicts one structure of an optical device according to thepresent application.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical device (1000) of the present applicationhas a first substrate (100); a first polarizing layer (200) disposedadjacent to the first substrate (100); and a liquid crystal window (300)including a liquid crystal layer (301) having a liquid crystal compound,which is present on the opposite side of the surface of the firstpolarizing layer (200) on which the first substrate (100) is located.Also, the transmittance of such an optical device changes depending onwhether or not an external action is applied.

In the present application, the term “external action” means an externalforce capable of changing the orientation of the liquid crystal compoundcontained in the liquid crystal layer. In one example, the externalaction may be an external voltage that is induced through an electrodelayer as described below.

That is, the optical device according to the present application canselectively implement a transmissive mode and a blocking mode byintroducing the liquid crystal window including the liquid crystal layerhaving the liquid crystal compound whose orientation direction changesby the external action.

In the present application, the term “transmissive mode” may mean astate in which a transmittance of a visible light region is 20% or more,25% or more, 30% or more, or 40% or more.

In the present application, the term “blocking mode” may mean a state inwhich a transmittance of a visible light region is 3% or less, 2% orless or 1% or less.

In one example, the optical device of the present application can switchbetween the transmissive mode in which the transmittance of the visiblelight region is 20% or more and the blocking mode in which thetransmittance of the visible light region is 3% or less, by the externalaction.

In the terms of describing the structure of the optical device of thepresent application, “B located or present on A” or “B located orpresent on A side” means when at least one any other layer is interposedon A and then B is located or present thereon as well as when A is indirect contact with B.

In particular, the term “B disposed adjacent to A” may mean a state thatA is in direct contact with B or only one layer is interposed between Aand B.

The optical device of the present application may minimize a stresscapable of being caused due to the difference in a coefficient ofthermal expansion and an elastic modulus among the substrate, thepolarizing layer, and a base layer in the liquid crystal window, andultimately prevent a bending phenomenon of the device and damage of asealant supporting the liquid crystal layer, by adjacently disposing thefirst substrate and the first polarizing layer.

In one example, the optical device of the present application may have abending distance of 3 mm or less after a heat resistance test at atemperature of 100° C. for 240 hours. Since the small bending distancemeans that deformation due to heat is small, the lower limit value isnot particularly limited and may be, for example, 2.8 mm or less, 2.6 mmor less, 2.4 mm or less, 2.2 mm or less, 2.0 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less,1 mm or less, or 0 mm.

The term “bending distance” in the above may be a value in which afterleaving a device specimen of 140 mm (width)×98 mm (length)×0.2 mm(height) at 100° C. for 240 hours, a portion is measured by a verniercaliper, which is deformed and dented inward from both edges of thelongest side.

The first substrate of the optical device serves as a supporting body ofthe device, and for example, a material having appropriate rigidity andlow bending characteristics and having appropriate transparency can beused in the present application without limitation.

In one example, the first substrate may be a glass substrate; acrystalline or amorphous silicone film; an inorganic film such as aquartz or ITO film; or a plastic substrate.

In a specific example, as the plastic substrate, one comprising TAC(triacetyl cellulose); COP (cyclo olefin copolymer) such as norbornenederivatives; PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)); PC (polycarbonate); PE(polyethylene); PP (polypropylene); PVA (polyvinyl alcohol); DAC(diacetyl cellulose); Pac (polyacrylate); PES (polyether sulfone); PEEK(polyetheretherketone); PPS (polyphenylsulfone); PEI (polyetherimide);PEN (polyethylenenaphthalate); PET (polyethyleneterephthalate); PI(polyimide); PSF (polysulfone); PAR (polyarylate) or an amorphousfluororesin may be used, but is not limited thereto.

The first substrate may have, for example, a coefficient of thermalexpansion (CTE) of 40 ppm/K or less, 30 ppm/K or less, or 20 ppm/K orless. Within such a range of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), theappropriate rigidity can be maintained, and the thermal deformationaccording to the laminated structure of the liquid crystal window, thepolarizing layer and the like can be prevented. The lower limit of thecoefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) may be, for example, 3 ppm/K ormore, 5 ppm/K or more, or 7 ppm/K or more, but is not limited thereto.The value of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) may be, forexample, a value calculating the average thermal expansion coefficientmeasured with cooling and heating at a rate of 10° C./min in atemperature range of 0° C. to 100° C. as a coefficient of linearexpansion.

The first substrate may have, for example, an elastic modulus of 20 GPaor more, 30 GPa or more, 40 GPa or more, or 50 GPa or more. Within sucha range of elastic modulus, the appropriate rigidity can be maintained,the thermal deformation according to the laminated structure of theliquid crystal window, the polarizing layer and the like can beprevented. The upper limit of the elastic modulus may be, for example,150 GPa or less, 100 GPa or less, or 80 GPa or less, but is not limitedthereto. The elastic modulus value may mean a value measured accordingto ASTM D882.

The first polarizing layer is disposed adjacent to the first substrate.As described above, the adjacent arrangement may mean that the firstpolarizing layer is in direct contact with the first substrate withoutinterposing any other layer or the first polarizing layer is attached tothe first substrate via any other one layer, for example, apressure-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer, which isdescribed below.

In one example, the first polarizing layer may be in contact with thefirst substrate, or be attached to the first substrate via apressure-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer.

In the present invention, the term “polarizing layer” may mean afunctional layer that exhibits selective transmission and blockingproperties, for example, reflection or absorption properties, forincident light. The polarizing layer may have, for example, a functionof transmitting light which vibrates in one direction from incidentlight which vibrates in various directions, and blocking light whichvibrates in the other directions.

The type of the polarizing layer is not particularly limited, and areflective type, an absorptive type, or a scattering type of polarizinglayer, and the like can be exemplified.

As the reflective polarizing layer, for example, a DBEF (dual brightnessenhancement film), a lyotropic liquid crystal layer (LLC layer), a wiregrid polarizer or the like can be used, and as the absorptive polarizinglayer, a polarizer, in which iodine is dyed on a polymer stretched filmsuch as a PVA stretched film, or a guest-host polarizing layer, in whichthe host is liquid crystals polymerized in an oriented state and theguest is anisotropic dye arranged in accordance with the orientation ofthe liquid crystals, can be used, without being limited thereto.

The first polarizing layer may have a predetermined absorption axis.

In one example, the absorption axis of the first polarizing layer andthe optical axis of the liquid crystal layer may be formed at an angleof, for example, 0 to 90 degrees in the absence of the external action.By controlling the angle between the absorption axis of the firstpolarizing layer and the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer withinthe angular range, the transmittance of light in the visible lightregion can be adjusted.

In the present application, the term “optical axis” may mean a slow axiswhen the incident light passes through the relevant region, and when theliquid crystal compound has a rod shape, it may mean the long axisdirection of the rod and when the liquid crystal compound has adiscostic shape, it may mean the normal direction of the disc surface.

For example, the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layer maybe in a horizontal orientation, a vertical orientation, or an obliqueorientation, where the angle between the absorption axis of the firstpolarizing layer and the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer mayvary depending on the orientation state of such a liquid crystalcompound.

The optical device of the present application may include not only acase where a polarizing layer exists on any one side of a liquid crystallayer but also a structure where a liquid crystal layer exists betweentwo opposing polarizing layers, depending on the type of the liquidcrystal layer.

In one example, the optical device of the present application mayfurther comprise a second polarizing layer located on the opposite sideof the surface on which the first polarizing layer of the liquid crystalwindow is located.

The absorption axis of the second polarizing layer may be, for example,vertical to the absorption axis of the first polarizing layer. In thepresent application, the term “vertical” means substantially vertical,and it can be understood that it includes errors within ±5 degrees, ±4degrees, ±3 degrees, ±2 degrees.

The optical device of the present application comprises a liquid crystalwindow. The liquid crystal window comprises a liquid crystal layerhaving a liquid crystal compound.

The liquid crystal window may play a role of imparting transmittancevariable characteristics to the optical device by comprising a liquidcrystal layer having a liquid crystal compound whose orientation changesdepending on the presence or absence of an external action.

The liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal layer, theorientation direction of which can be changed depending on the presenceor absence of the external action, can be used without limitation in thepresent application.

In one example, as the liquid crystal compound, a smectic liquid crystalcompound, a nematic liquid crystal compound, or a cholesteric liquidcrystal compound, and the like may be used. In addition, the liquidcrystal compound may be, for example, a compound which has nopolymerizable group or crosslinkable group, so that the orientationdirection can be changed by application of the external signal.

In one example, as the liquid crystal compound, a nematic liquid crystalcompound can be used. As the above compound, for example, a nematicliquid crystal compound satisfying the following Equation 1 can be used.

(1.53−b)<{(2n _(o) ² +n _(e) ²)/3}^(0.5)<(1.53+b)  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, n_(o) is an ordinary refractive index of the liquidcrystal compound, for example, a refractive index in the uniaxialdirection of the nematic liquid crystal compound, n_(e) is anextraordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal compound, forexample a refractive index in the long axis direction of the liquidcrystal compound, and b is a number satisfying 0.1=b=1. The liquidcrystal compound satisfying Equation 1 can be selected to manufacture aliquid crystal cell in which excellent transparency can be ensured evenwhen no voltage is applied. In Equation 1, b may be, in another example,0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.7, 0.1 to 0.5 or 0.1 to 0.3.

The liquid crystal compound may also have a difference between anextraordinary dielectric anisotropy (ε_(e), dielectric anisotropy of thelong axis direction) and an ordinary dielectric anisotropy (ε_(o),dielectric anisotropy of the uniaxial direction) of at least 3, at least3.5, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 10. Having such adielectric anisotropy, a device having excellent driving voltagecharacteristics can be provided. In the difference of the dielectricanisotropy, the higher the numerical value is, the device may exhibitmore appropriate characteristics, where the upper limit is notparticularly limited. For example, as the liquid crystal compound, acompound having an extraordinary dielectric anisotropy (ε_(e),dielectric anisotropy of the long axis direction) of 6 to 50 and anordinary dielectric anisotropy (ε_(o), dielectric anisotropy of theuniaxial direction) of 2.5 to 7 may be used.

The liquid crystal layer may further comprise an anisotropic dye.

In the present application, the term “dye” may mean a material capableof intensively absorbing and/or deforming light in at least some or allthe range within a visible light region, for example, a wavelength rangeof 400 nm to 700 nm, and the term “anisotropic dye” may mean a materialallowing anisotropic absorption of light in at least some or all therange of the visible light region.

The light transmittance of the optical device can be controlled throughusing the anisotropic dye as above. Although the anisotropic dye is notparticularly limited, for example black dyes or color dyes can be used.

As the anisotropic dye, a dye having a dichroic ratio, that is, a valuedividing the absorption of the polarized light parallel to the long axisdirection of the anisotropic dye by the absorption of the polarizedlight parallel to the direction vertical to the long axis direction, ofat least 5, at least 6 or at least 7, can be used. The dye can satisfythe dichroic ratio in at least some wavelengths or at any one wavelengthwithin the wavelength range of the visible light region, for example,within the wavelength range of about 380 nm to 700 nm or about 400 nm to700 nm. The upper limit of the dichroic ratio may be, for example, 20 orless, 18 or less, 16 or less, or 14 or less. The kind of the anisotropicdye is not particularly limited, and for example, all kinds of dyesknown to have characteristics capable of being oriented according toorientation of the liquid crystal compound while having the abovecharacteristics, can be used.

When the anisotropic dye is contained in the liquid crystal layer, itdoes not need to include the above-described second polarizing layer inthe device, and it is possible to promote for the optical device to bemade thinner.

That is, when the liquid crystal compound and the anisotropic dye areincluded in the optical device, the orientation of the liquid crystalcompound and the anisotropic dye present in the liquid crystal layer iscontrolled, so that the anisotropic light absorption may be controlledfor the polarized light of the direction parallel to the orientationdirection of the anisotropic dye and the polarized light of thedirection vertical thereto.

For example, the orientation of the liquid crystal compound and/or theanisotropic dye in the liquid crystal layer can be controlled byapplication of the external signal, and accordingly the liquid crystallayer can control the anisotropic light absorption depending on whetheror not the external signal is applied. The liquid crystal layer havingsuch characteristics can be referred to as a so-called active polarizer,and by controlling the relationship between the transmission axis and/orthe absorption axis of the polarizing layer in the presence of theexternal action as described above, the overall transmittance of theoptical device can be controlled.

Such an anisotropic dye may be included in the liquid crystal layer, forexample, in a ratio of 1 to 10 parts by weight or 1 to 5 parts byweight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal compound.

The liquid crystal compound may have a certain orientation and becontained in the liquid crystal layer.

In one example, the liquid crystal compound may be in a horizontalorientation, a vertical orientation, or an oblique orientation in theabsence of the external action.

In the present application, the term “horizontal orientation” may mean acase where the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer has aninclination angle within a range of about 0 to 15 degrees, about 0 to 10degrees, and about 0 to 5 degrees with respect to the plane of theliquid crystal layer.

In the present application, the term “vertical orientation” may mean acase where the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer has aninclination angle of about 90 to 85 degrees with respect to the plane ofthe liquid crystal layer.

In the present application, the term “oblique orientation” may mean acase where the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer has aninclination angle other than the horizontal orientation or the verticalorientation with respect to the plane of the liquid crystal layer, andfor example, may mean a case where the optical axis of the liquidcrystal layer has an inclination angle of more than about 15 degrees toless than 85 degrees with respect to the plane of the liquid crystallayer.

The orientation condition of such a liquid crystal compound can beappropriately adjusted in consideration of the drive mode of the liquidcrystal window and the dielectric anisotropy characteristics of theliquid crystal compound.

The liquid crystal layer may have predetermined plane directionretardation (Rin) and thickness direction retardation (Rth).

In one example, the plane direction retardation (Rin) of the liquidcrystal layer in a state that the liquid crystal compound ishorizontally oriented in the liquid crystal layer may be, for example,10 nm or more, 20 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 50 nm ormore, 60 nm or more, 70 nm or more, 80 nm or more, 90 nm or more, 100 nmor more, 110 nm or more, 120 nm or more, 130 nm or more, or 140 nm ormore. In addition, the upper limit of the plane direction retardation ofthe liquid crystal layer in the absence of any external action may be300 nm or less, 290 nm or less, 280 nm or less, 270 nm or less, 260 nmor less, 250 nm or less, 240 nm or less, 230 nm or less, 220 nm or less,210 nm or less, 200 nm or less, 190 nm or less, 180 nm or less, 170 nmor less, or 160 nm or less.

Furthermore, in a state where the external action is present and theliquid crystal compound is vertically oriented, the thickness directionretardation (Rth) of the liquid crystal layer may be, for example, 10 nmor more, 20 nm or more, 30 nm or more, 40 nm or more, 50 nm or more, 60nm or more, 70 nm or more, 80 nm or more, 90 nm or more, 100 nm or more,110 nm or more, 120 nm or more, 130 nm or more, or 140 nm or more. Inaddition, when the external action is present, the upper limit of thethickness direction retardation of the liquid crystal layer may be 300nm or less, 290 nm or less, 280 nm or less, 270 nm or less, 260 nm orless, 250 nm or less, 240 nm or less, 230 nm or less, 220 nm or less,210 nm or less, 200 nm or less, 190 nm or less, 180 nm or less, 170 nmor less, or 160 nm or less.

In the present application, the term “plain direction retardation (Rin)”is a numerical value calculated by the following formula 1, and the term“thickness direction retardation (Rth)” is a numerical value calculatedby the following formula 2.

Rin=(nx−ny)×d  [Formula 1]

Rth=(nz−ny)×d  [Formula 2]

In Formulas 1 and 2, the symbols of nx, ny, nz and d mean a refractiveindex in the in-plane slow axis direction, a refractive index in thein-plane fast axis direction, a refractive index in the thicknessdirection, and a thickness, respectively. Each of the refractive indicesmay be, for example a refractive index measured for light having awavelength of 550 nm.

Depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal compound, thetransmittance of the optical device can be controlled.

The liquid crystal window may be driven in an ECB (ElectricallyControlled Birefringence) mode, a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode or an STN(Super Twisted Nematic) mode, without being limited thereto, and thealignment characteristics of the liquid crystal compound in the liquidcrystal layer may be changed depending on the drive mode of such aliquid crystal window.

In one example, the liquid crystal compound is present in an orientedstate to form an angle with the absorption axis of the first polarizinglayer, or in a state oriented to be horizontal or vertical to theabsorption axis of the first polarizing layer, or in a twist orientedstate.

In the present application, the term “twist oriented state” may mean astate where the optical axis of the liquid crystal layer is orientedhorizontally with an inclination angle within a range of about 0 to 15degrees, about 0 to 10 degrees or about 0 to 5 degrees with respect tothe plane of the liquid crystal layer, but the angle of the long axisdirection of the neighboring liquid crystal compound contained in theliquid crystal layer slightly varies and is twisted and arranged.

As described above, the alignment property of the liquid crystalcompound in the liquid crystal layer can be changed by application ofthe external action.

In one example, in the absence of the external action, when the liquidcrystal layer is in a horizontal orientation, the transmittance can beincreased by switching to a vertical orientation state by application ofthe external action.

In another example, in the absence of the external action, when theliquid crystal layer is in a vertical orientation, the transmittance canbe reduced by switching to a horizontal orientation state by applicationof the external action. In addition, in switching from the initialvertical orientation state to the horizontal orientation state, apre-tilt in a certain direction may be required to determine theorientation direction of the liquid crystal compound. Here, the methodof imparting the pre-tilt is not particularly limited, and for example,it is allowed by disposing an alignment film, so that the intendedpre-tilt may be imparted.

In addition, in a state where the liquid crystal layer further comprisesan anisotropic dye and the liquid crystal compound is verticallyoriented in the above, the alignment direction of the anisotropic dye isvertical to the plane of the polarizing layer present in the bottom, andthus the light transmitted through the polarizing layer can betransmitted without being absorbed by the anisotropic dye of the liquidcrystal layer, thereby increasing the transmittance of the opticaldevice. On the other hand, in a state where the liquid crystal compoundin the liquid crystal layer is horizontally oriented, the alignmentdirection of the anisotropic dye is parallel to the plane of thepolarizing layer present in the bottom, and thus when the optical axisof the liquid crystal layer is disposed to have a predetermined anglefor the absorption axis of the polarizing layer, a part of the lighttransmitted through the polarizing layer can be absorbed by theanisotropic dye, thereby reducing the transmittance of the opticaldevice.

In one example, in the optical device, a transmissive mode in which thetransmittance of the visible light region is 20% or more can be realizedin a state where the external action is present, and a blocking mode inwhich the transmittance of the visible light region is 3% or less can berealized in a state where the external action is not present.

When the liquid crystal window is driven in the TN mode or the STN mode,the liquid crystal layer may further comprise a chiral agent. The chiralagent can induce for the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystalcompound and/or the anisotropic dye to have a helical structure. Thechiral agent may be used without particular limitation, as long as itcan induce the desired helical structure without damaging liquidcrystallinity, for example, nematic regularity. The chiral agent forinducing the helical structure in the liquid crystal needs to include atleast the chirality in the molecular structure. As the chiral agent, forexample, compounds having one or two or more asymmetric carbons,compounds having an asymmetric point on a heteroatom such as chiralamines or chiral sulfoxides, or compounds having an axially asymmetricand optically active site such as cumulene or binaphthol can beexemplified. The chiral agent may be, for example, a low molecularcompound having a molecular weight of 1,500 or less. As the chiralagent, a commercially available chiral nematic liquid crystal, forexample, a chiral dopant liquid crystal S-811 available from Merck Co.or LC756 from BASF may be also used.

The thickness of the liquid crystal layer may be, for example, in arange of 5 to 30 μm. It is possible within such a thickness range toappropriately adjust the transmittance and to prevent the bendingphenomenon due to thermal deformation, and accordingly damage of theliquid crystal layer, and the like.

The liquid crystal layer may be prepared, for example, by using a methodof squeezing a composition comprising the aforementioned liquid crystalcompound and/or anisotropic dye and other additives on substratesdisposed apart from each other while sealing the sides, or by coatingthe composition on any substrate and then laminating the peeled filmwith a base layer, or by a known method of forming a liquid crystallayer, such as a formation method of coating the composition directly ona base layer and then curing the composition.

The liquid crystal window may further comprise an alignment filmdisposed adjacent to the liquid crystal layer. The alignment film is aconfiguration adopted to control the alignment state of the liquidcrystal compound and the anisotropic dye which may be further included,and may be included in the liquid crystal window in an arrangementcapable of achieving the above purpose, for example, in a state in whichthe alignment film is in direct contact with both side of the liquidcrystal layer.

As the alignment film, a known vertical, horizontal or tilt alignmentfilm can be used without any particular limitation. Such an alignmentfilm may be a contact type alignment film such as a rubbing alignmentfilm or a known alignment film such as a photo-alignment film whichcomprises a photo-alignment compound, so that it may exhibit orientationcharacteristics, for example, by a noncontact type method such asirradiation of the linearly polarized light.

That is, the alignment film may be a rubbing alignment film orientedthrough a known rubbing process or a photo-curable alignment film or athermosetting alignment film that orientation is imparted by applying acomposition for forming an alignment film thereto and then irradiatingit with light or heat.

The rubbing alignment film may be formed by a process of rubbing a resinsuch as polyimide or polyvinyl alcohol at a predetermined pressure andnumber of times with a rubbing cloth or the like.

The photo alignment film may comprise, for example, a photo-alignmentcompound.

In the present application, the term “photo-alignment compound” may meana compound aligned in a predetermined direction (orientationallyordered) through irradiation of light and capable of orienting aneighboring liquid crystal compound in a predetermined direction throughan interaction such as an anisotropic interaction in the aligned state.

In the photo-alignment film, the photo-alignment compound may exist inan aligned state so as to have orientation. The photo-alignment compoundmay be a monomolecular compound, a monomeric compound, an oligomericcompound or a polymeric compound. In addition, the photo-alignmentcompound may be a compound comprising a photosensitive moiety.

Specifically, as the photo-alignment compound, a compound aligned bytrans-cis photoisomerization; a compound aligned by photo-destructionsuch as chain scission or photo-oxidation; a compound aligned byphoto-crosslinking or photopolymerization such as [2+2] cycloaddition,[4+4] cycloaddition or photodimerization; a compound aligned byphoto-Fries rearrangement; or a compound aligned by a ringopening/closure reaction; and the like, can be used.

As the compound aligned by trans-cis photoisomerization, for example,azo compounds such as sulfonated diazo dyes or azo polymers, orstilbenes, and the like can be exemplified.

As the compound aligned by photo-destruction,cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride; aromatic polysilanes orpolyesters; polystyrenes; or polyimides; and the like can beexemplified.

As the compound aligned by photo-crosslinking or photopolymerization, acinnamate compound, a coumarin compound, a cinnamamide compound, atetrahydrophthalimide compound, a maleimide compound, a benzophenonecompound, a diphenylacetylene compound, a compound having a chalconylmoiety (hereinafter, a chalcone compound) or a compound having ananthracenyl moiety (hereinafter, an anthracenyl compound), as thephotosensitive moiety, can be exemplified.

The photo-alignment compound may be a monomolecular compound, amonomeric compound, an oligomeric compound or a polymeric compound, ormay be in a blend form of the photo-alignment compound and a polymer.Here, the oligomeric or polymeric compound may have a residue derivedfrom the above-described photo-alignment compound, or theabove-described photosensitive moiety in the main chain or side chains.

As the polymer having the residue derived from the photo-alignmentcompound, or the photosensitive moiety or capable of being mixed withthe photo-alignment compound, polynorbornenes, polyolefins,polyarylates, polyacrylates, poly(meth)acrylates, polyimides, poly(amicacid)s, polymaleinimides, polyacrylamides, polymethacrylamides,polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, polystyrenes, polysiloxanes,polyacrylonitriles or polymethacrylonitriles, and the like, can beexemplified, without being limited thereto.

As the polymer that can be included in the alignment compound,typically, polynorbornene cinnamate, polynorbornene alkoxy cinnamate,polynorbornene allyloyloxycinnamate, polynorbornene fluorinatedcinnamate, polynorbornene chlorinated cinnamate, or polynorbornenedicinnamate, and the like, can be exemplified, without being limitedthereto.

The photo-alignment film can be formed, for example, by combining thephoto-alignment compound with necessary additives such as aphotoinitiator, coating it, and then irradiating it with the polarizedultraviolet in a desired direction, and the like.

The alignment film included in the liquid crystal window of the presentapplication may be formed in combination with the processes for formingthe rubbing alignment film or the photo-alignment film as describedabove, but is not limited thereto.

The liquid crystal window may further comprise an electrode layercapable of applying an external action, for example, an externalelectric field to the liquid crystal layer.

The electrode layer may have a high light transmittance in a visiblelight region, for example.

In one example, the electrode layer may have a transmittance of 80% ormore, 85% or more, or 90% or more for light having any one wavelength ina visible light region, for example, in a range of about 400 nm to 700nm, or a wavelength of 550 nm.

The electrode layer also has a low light transmittance in an infraredregion, so it may have a high electric conductivity and a low sheetresistance value as well as an effect of blocking heat.

In one example, the electrode layer may have a transmittance of 70% orless, 65% or less, or 60% or less for light having any one wavelength inan infrared region, for example, in a range of about 700 nm to 1000 nm,or a wavelength of 780 nm or more. Since the electrode layer satisfyingthe above numerical range can block heat in the infrared region, forexample, energy saving is possible. The lower limit of the lighttransmittance of the electrode layer in the infrared region is notparticularly limited, but the lower limit may be, for example, 0% ormore, or 5% or more.

The electrode layer may have a sheet resistance value of 20Ω/□ or less,15Ω/□, or 10Ω/□ or less, and the lower limit is not particularlylimited, but may be 0.1Ω/□ or more. When the electrode layer having thesheet resistance value in the above numerical range is applied to theoptical device, the power consumption can be minimized, so that there isan advantage that the efficiency of the optical device can be increased.

As long as the material of the electrode layer is one having the lighttransmittance and the sheet resistance value and capable of applying anappropriate external action to change the orientation of the liquidcrystal compound, any known one may be used without limitation.

For example, the electrode layer may utilize metal oxides; metal wires;metal nanotubes; metal meshes; carbon nanotubes; graphenes; orconductive polymers or composite materials thereof.

In one example, the electrode layer may comprise a metal oxidecomprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting ofantimony (Sb), barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), hafnium (Hf),indium (In), lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), aluminum(Al), silicon (Si), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), yttrium(Y), zinc (Zn), and zirconium (Zr).

The thickness of the electrode layer can be suitably selected within arange that does not impair the purpose of the present application. Forexample, in order to exhibit high light transmittance in the visiblelight region, low light transmittance in the infrared region, excellentelectrical conductivity and low resistance characteristics, thethickness of the electrode layer can be adjusted within the range of 50nm to 300 nm or 70 nm to 200 nm.

The electrode layer may be a single layer structure comprising theabove-described material or a laminated structure, and when it is alaminated structure, the materials constituting each layer may be thesame or different.

The liquid crystal window of the present application may furthercomprise a sealant located on both sides of the liquid crystal layer. Asshown in FIG. 2, such a sealant can serve to seal the liquid crystalcompound in the liquid crystal layer simultaneously with maintaining agap of the liquid crystal layer by being located at the sides of theliquid crystal layer.

In one example, the sealant may be a polymer layer. Such a polymer layermay be, for example, a type capable of thermal curing, UV curing orthermal curing and UV curing together.

In one example, the sealant may be an acrylic polymer layer comprisingpolymerized units of (meth)acrylic acid esters.

The (meth)acrylic acid ester means methacrylic acid or acrylic acid orderivatives thereof, where the specific (meth)acrylic acid ester may bean alkyl (meth)acrylate having an alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbonatoms, and examples thereof may include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate,n-butyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl (meth)acrylate, sec-butyl(meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate,2-ethylbutyl (meth)acrylate, pentyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl(meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl(meth)acrylate, tridecyl (meth)acrylate, octadecyl (meth)acrylate,isooctyl (meth)acrylate, isononyl (meth)acrylate or tetradecyl(meth)acrylate, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

In addition, the acrylic polymer layer may further comprise polymerizedunits of a monomer having other crosslinkable functional groups. As themonomer having other crosslinkable functional groups, for example, amonomer having a hydroxyl group such as hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate, forexample, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate,4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 6-hydroxyhexyl (meth)acrylate or8-hydroxyoctyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypolyethylene glycol(meth)acrylate or 2-hydroxypolypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate; or amonomer having a carboxyl group such as (meth)acrylic acid,2-(meth)acryloyloxyacetic acid, 3-(meth)acryloyloxypropionic acid,4-(meth) acryloyloxybutyric acid, acrylic acid dimer, itaconic acid,maleic acid or maleic anhydride, and the like, can be exemplified,without being limited thereto.

The sealant may have a thickness, for example, in the range of 5 to 30μm, where the gap of the liquid crystal layer may be properly maintainedwithin this range, and it may serve to seal the liquid crystal layer.

In one example, the sealant may have a width of 3 mm to 15 mm, withoutbeing limited thereto, and the above numerical value may be changedaccording to the purpose of introducing the sealant and the length ofthe liquid crystal layer.

The sealant may have, for example, an area of 30% or less, 20% or less,10% or less, or 1% or less relative to the area of the liquid crystalwindow surface. The area means the ratio of the surface that the sealantis in contact with the alignment film and the like. Within this arearange, the sealant may serve to maintain the gap of the liquid crystallayer and to seal the liquid crystal layer, and may not hinder variablecharacteristics of transmittance of the liquid crystal compound in theliquid crystal layer.

In addition to the above-mentioned polymer, the sealant may furthercomprise an appropriate additive in order to control variablecharacteristics of transmittance, or rigidity. For example, the sealantmay further comprise an appropriate amount of the known inorganicparticles, inorganic pigments, and the like in order to control variablecharacteristics of transmittance, or rigidity and the like.

The liquid crystal window included in the optical device of the presentapplication may further comprise a spacer. The spacer may be one formedso as to maintain gaps of the layers existing at the top and bottom ofthe liquid crystal layer. The spacer may exist, for example, in a regionwhere the liquid crystal compound of the liquid crystal layer is notpresent.

The spacer may be, for example, a state formed on any one layer of theupper and lower layers existing adjacent to the liquid crystal layer andattached to the other layer by a pressure-sensitive adhesive or anadhesive, or may be present between two layers directly adjacent to theliquid crystal layer.

The spacer applied to the optical device of the present application maybe of a suitable color and size so as to be capable of maintaining lowhaze even in the absence of the external action.

The structure of the spacer may be, for example, a column shape or aball shape.

In one example, when the spacer is in a column shape, its shape andnumber, and the spacing between the spacers or the position on thesubstrate, and the like can be freely designed and changed within therange capable of achieving the purpose of the present application by oneskilled in the art.

For example, the column-shaped spacer may comprise 3 to 6 main spacersand each main spacer may comprise 2 to 4 sub-spacers.

As a specific example, the column-shaped spacer may comprise, forexample, six main spacers, and each main spacer may comprise foursub-spacers, without being limited thereto.

Also, the spacing between the column-shaped spacers is not particularlylimited, and for example, the spacers may be disposed with space in therange of 20 μm to 5,000 μm or 50 μm to 1,000 μm.

In one example, the column-shaped spacer may comprise a curable resin.The kind of the curable resin is not particularly limited, and forexample, a thermosetting resin or a photo-curable resin, such as anultraviolet curable resin, can be used.

As the thermosetting resin, for example, a silicone resin, a siliconresin, a furan resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, an aminoresin, a phenol resin, a urea resin, a polyester resin or a melamineresin may be used, without being limited thereto.

As the ultraviolet curable resin, typically, an acrylic polymer such asa polyester acrylate polymer, a polystyrene acrylate polymer, an epoxyacrylate polymer, a polyurethane acrylate polymer or a polybutadieneacrylate polymer, a silicone acrylate polymer or an alkyl acrylatepolymer may be used, without being limited thereto.

In another example, the column-shaped spacer may comprise a polymernetwork and a liquid crystal compound. Specifically, the column-shapedspacer can be formed by imprinting a layer of a composition comprisingthe polymer network and the liquid crystal compound, but is not limitedthereto. As the polymer network and the liquid crystal compound includedin the column-shaped spacer, the kind of the polymer network and theliquid crystal layer described above can be used without limitation.

Such a column-shaped spacer may be, for example, a fixed type formed onany one layer adjacent to the liquid crystal layer and attached to theother layer adjacent to the liquid crystal layer via apressure-sensitive adhesive or an adhesive.

In addition, when the spacer is in a ball shape, it may comprise glassfiber, plastic, silica, or the like, and such a ball-shaped spacer maybe, for example, an unfixed type directly interposed between two layersadjacent to the liquid crystal layer.

In a specific example, the spacer may be a black spacer. That is, theoptical device according to the present application includes a smartwindow having a property of varying transmittance depending on thepresence or absence of an external action. When the external action isnot present in the optical device comprising such a smart window, theremay be merely a problem that the initial haze characteristic is reducedby the spacer. However, when a black spacer is introduced into theoptical device, a low haze value can be maintained regardless of whetheror not the external action is applied. As described above, the blackspacer may be in the column shape, or may be in the ball shape, where inthe present application, the specific shape of the black spacer is notparticularly limited as long as the color of the black spacer is blackseries.

In one example, the optical device of the present application may have ahaze of 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, or 7% or less in theabsence of the external action. The upper limit of the haze is notparticularly limited, but may be, for example, 1% or more or 2% or more.The haze may be, for example, a value measured using a haze meter (NDH5000SP) at light having a wavelength of 550 nm.

The liquid crystal window of the present application may furthercomprise a base layer located on any one side or both sides of theliquid crystal layer.

In one example, the base layer may be located only on any one side ofthe liquid crystal layer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical device (1000) of thepresent application may have a structure which comprises a liquidcrystal layer (301), and alignment films (302 a,b) and electrode layers(303 a,b) sequentially disposed on both sides of the liquid crystallayer (301), and comprises a base layer (305 b) that is present in theopposite side of the surface on which a first polarizing layer (200) ofthe liquid crystal layer (301) is located. In this case, the firstpolarizing layer (200) may be in direct contact with a liquid crystalwindow (300). In the present application, the term “B in direct contactwith A” means a state in which any layer or configuration is notinterposed between A and B.

In addition, reviewing FIG. 2 more, when the liquid crystal window (300)of the optical device (1000) of the present application comprises onebase layer (305 b), the opposite side of the surface that is in contactwith the liquid crystal window (300) of the first polarizing layer (200)may be attached to the first substrate (100 a) via a pressure-sensitiveadhesive layer or an adhesive layer (400).

As shown in FIG. 2, when the first polarizing layer has a structurewhich is in direct contact with the liquid crystal window, specifically,a structure that the base layer is located only on the opposite side ofthe surface on which the first polarizing layer of the liquid crystallayer is located, the bending phenomenon of the device due to thedifference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and elastic modulusamong the substrate, the polarizing layer and the base layer, and thelike can be prevented, and the desired bending distance of the opticaldevice can be achieved.

In another example, the base layer may be located on both sides of theliquid crystal layer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical device (1000) of thepresent application may have a structure which comprises a liquidcrystal layer (301), and alignment films (302 a,b), electrode layers(303 a,b) and base layers (305 a,b) sequentially disposed on both sidesof the liquid crystal layer (301). In this case, the first polarizinglayer (200) may be attached to the liquid crystal window (300) via thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layer (400) and theopposite side of the surface that is in contact with the liquid crystalwindow (300) of the first polarizing layer (200) may be attached to thefirst substrate (100 a) via the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or theadhesive layer (400).

The base layer included in the liquid crystal window may have apredetermined elastic modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE).

In one example, the base layer may have a coefficient of thermalexpansion (CTE) of at least 50 ppm/K, at least 60 ppm/K, at least 70ppm/K, or at least 80 ppm/K. Within such a range of coefficient ofthermal expansion (CTE), the appropriate rigidity can be maintained, andthe thermal deformation according to the laminated structure of theliquid crystal window, the polarizing layer and the like can beprevented. The upper limit of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)may be, for example, 300 ppm/K or less, or 200 ppm/K or less, but is notlimited thereto. The value of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)may be, for example, a value calculating the average thermal expansioncoefficient measured with cooling and heating at a rate of 10° C./min ina temperature range of 0° C. to 100° C. as a coefficient of linearthermal expansion.

The base layer may have, for example, an elastic modulus of 5 GPa orless, 4 GPa or less, or 3 GPa or less. Within such a range of elasticmodulus, the appropriate rigidity can be maintained, and the thermaldeformation according to the laminated structure of the liquid crystalwindow, the polarizing layer and the like can be prevented. The lowerlimit of the elastic modulus may be, for example, 0.5 GPa or more, butis not limited thereto. The elastic modulus value may mean a valuemeasured according to ASTM D882.

It is preferred that the base layer is, for example, a transparent basefilm having a haze of 5% or less, or 3% or less.

It is also preferred that the base layer has a refractive index at 550nm of 1.5 to 2.0, or 1.5 to 1.7.

It is preferred that the base layer has a thickness of, for example, 30to 200 μm, preferably, 40 to 150 μm.

The glass transition temperature of the base layer may be, for example,in the range of 100° C. to 300° C., preferably 100° C. to 150° C.

The material of the base layer is not particularly limited as long as itsatisfies the above-mentioned conditions, but may be, for example, apolymeric film formed from polyolefins such as polyethylene andpolypropylene; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate andpolyethylene naphthalate; celluloses such as triacetyl cellulose,diacetyl cellulose, propionyl cellulose, butyl cellulose or acetylcellulose; polyamides such as 6-nylon or 6,6-nylon; acrylic polymerssuch as polymethyl methacrylate; organic polymers such as polystyrene,polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate orethylene vinyl alcohol, or a glass substrate.

Also, the base layer may be one formed from one or two or more ofmixtures or polymers, or may be one having a structure laminating aplurality of layers.

The base layer may be one whose surface has been modified. The surfacemodification is carried out for the purpose of securing the adhesiveforce with the electrode layer, for which a treatment method such aschemical treatment, corona discharge treatment, mechanical treatment,ultraviolet (UV) treatment, active plasma treatment or glow dischargetreatment may be adopted, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the above base layer can be prepared by blending theabove-mentioned material with a known mixer (e.g., Omni mixer or thelike), mixing the obtained mixture with a known mixer (e.g., an extrudersuch as a single screw extruder and a twin screw extruder, or apressurized kneader or the like), and then performing a known filmforming method (e.g., solution casting method, melt extrusion method,calendering method, compression molding method, etc.), and inparticular, it is preferably prepared by solution casting method or meltextrusion method.

Such a base layer may be located on one side or both sides of the liquidcrystal layer.

When the base layer in the liquid crystal window is located only on oneside of the liquid crystal layer, the first polarizing layer may have astructure directly contacting the liquid crystal window, therebyachieving excellent durability of the optical device, as describedabove. At this time, the opposite side of the surface of the firstpolarizing layer, which is in contact with the liquid crystal window,may be attached to the first substrate via a pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer or an adhesive layer.

In the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layerinterposed between the first polarizing layer and the first substrate,for example, known pressure-sensitive adhesives or adhesives such asacrylic-based; epoxy-based; urethane-based; or rubber-basedpressure-sensitive adhesives or adhesives may be utilized withoutlimitation.

For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layermay have a gel content (%) represented by the following formula 3,within a range of 30 to 95%.

Gel content (%)=B/A×100  [Formula 3]

In Formula 3 above, A represents a mass of a pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer or an adhesive layer, and B represents a dry mass of the insolublematter of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer after immersing it in ethyl acetate atroom temperature for 72 hours. If the gel content is less than 30%,there is a concern that the endurance reliability is deteriorated underhigh temperature and/or high temperature and humidity conditions, and ifthe gel content exceeds 95%, there is a concern that the stressrelaxation characteristics of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer orthe adhesive layer is deteriorated.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layer may have athickness within a range of, for example, 10 μm to 100 μm. Within such athickness range, excellent mechanical properties can be achieved, whileexhibiting the desired pressure-sensitive adhesion or adhesionproperties.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may have, for example, a dynamicviscosity at 25° C. within a range of 10,000 cSt to 10,000,000 cSt. Inparticular, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having the dynamicviscosity within the range of 10,000 cSt to 100,000 cSt can be referredto as a fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

That is, the term “fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer” in thepresent application may mean a layer formed from a pressure-sensitiveadhesive that a compound for forming the pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer is not cured for the dynamic viscosity at 25° C. to be within arange of 10,000 cSt to 100,000 cSt.

In the structure of the optical device of the present application, whenthe base layer in the liquid crystal window is located on both sides ofthe liquid crystal layer, the first polarizing layer may have thestructure attached to the liquid crystal window via thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layer, as describedabove, where the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesive layerattaching the first polarizing layer and the liquid crystal window maybe, for example, the above-mentioned fluid pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer.

In the material for forming the fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer,a known material as an uncured type pressure-sensitive adhesivesatisfying the above-mentioned dynamic viscosity range can be utilizedwithout limitation.

In one example, the fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may beexemplified by silicone oil or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The elastic modulus of the fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer maybe, for example, in a range of 8,000 kg/cm² to 13,000 kg/cm² at 25° C.

When the first polarizing layer and the liquid crystal window areadhered to each other via such a fluid pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer, a phenomenon of intensifying stress in the device due to thermaldeformation according to the difference in coefficient of thermalexpansion (CTE) and elastic modulus among the substrate, the polarizinglayer and the base layer, can be prevented, and ultimately, the bendingphenomenon can be effectively prevented.

In addition, the optical device of the present application may have astructure in which the first substrate and the first polarizing layerare in direct contact with each other when the optical device is astructure having base layers on both sides of the liquid crystal layer.Here, the optical device may further comprise a second substrate locatedon the opposite side of the surface where the first polarizing layer ofthe liquid crystal window contacts.

That is, when the optical device of the present application is astructure comprising base layers on both sides of the liquid crystallayer, the first polarizing layer may be attached to the first substratevia a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or an adhesive layer as shown inFIG. 3, or both sides of the first polarizing layer may be in directcontact with the first substrate and the liquid crystal window as shownin FIG. 4. In this case, the optical device may further comprise asecond substrate located on the opposite side of the surface where thefirst polarizing layer of the liquid crystal window contacts.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram of an optical device according to thepresent application. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the opticaldevice (1000) may be a structure which comprises alignment films (302a,b), electrode layers (303 a,b) and base layers (305 a,b) sequentiallydisposed on both sides of a liquid crystal layer (301), wherein any oneside of a first polarizing layer (200) is in direct contact with thebase layer (305 a) of the liquid crystal window (300) and the other sideof the first polarizing layer (200) is in direct contact with a firstsubstrate (100 a), and further comprises a second substrate (100 b)located on the opposite side of the surface where the first polarizinglayer (200) is in contact with the first substrate (100 a).

That is, in the case of the optical device having the structure as shownin FIG. 4, since the liquid crystal window and the polarizing layer arenot attached via the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or the adhesivelayer and the first and second substrates do not attach the polarizinglayer or the liquid crystal window via the pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer or the adhesive layer as well, the polarizing layer and the liquidcrystal window can move freely between the substrates, and thus thephenomenon of intensifying stress due to the difference in thermaldeformation among the substrate, the polarizing layer and the baselayer, and the resulting problem of increasing bending distance may notoccur.

The specific types of the second substrate are the same as thosedescribed in the first substrate, and the specific materials of thefirst substrate and the second substrate may be the same or may bechanged within a range that does not impair the above-mentioned object.

The optical device of the present application may also comprise aviewing angle compensation film. The viewing angle compensation film maybe a single layer structure or a laminated structure including, forexample, an A plate, a +B plate, a −B plate, and a +C plate. Such aviewing angle compensation film is a configuration that can be applied,for example, when the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystallayer is in a twist oriented ECB mode.

The present application also relates to a use of the optical device. Theoptical device of the present application can vary the transmittancedepending on whether or not an external signal is applied, and caneffectively prevent a stress strengthening due to the difference inthermal deformation and the resulting bending phenomenon. Such anoptical device can be applied to and used in various opticalapparatuses.

That is, the present application is directed to a transmittance variablemember comprising an optical device. The transmittance variable membermay be, for example, a sunroof.

In the present application, the term “sunroof” is a fixed or operating(venting or sliding) opening present in the ceiling of a vehicle, andmay be a collective meaning for apparatuses which are capable offunctioning to allow light or fresh air to enter the interior of thevehicle. The manner of operating the sunroof in the present applicationis not particularly limited, and the sunroof may be, for example,manually operated or motor-driven, and the shape, size or style of thesunroof may be appropriately selected depending on the intended use. Forexample, the sunroof may be exemplified by a pop-up type sunroof, aspoiler (tile & slide) type sunroof, an in-built type sunroof, a foldingtype sunroof, a top-mount type sunroof, a panoramic loop system typesunroof, a removable roof panels (t-tops or targa roofts) type sunroofor a solar type sunroof, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

The exemplary sunroof of the present application may comprise theoptical device of the present application, and in this case, thespecific details of the optical device can be applied equally by thosedescribed in the item of the optical device.

The sunroof may further comprise an ultraviolet blocking layer. The term“ultraviolet blocking layer” herein may mean a known functional layerhaving an ultraviolet blocking function. The ultraviolet blocking layermay be formed on one side or both sides of the polarizing layer, theliquid crystal layer, or the electrode layer. As such an ultravioletblocking layer, for example, an ultraviolet blocking pressure-sensitiveadhesive or an ultraviolet blocking film can be used. As the ultravioletblocking pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, inwhich a known additive having an ultraviolet blocking function is addedto a known pressure-sensitive adhesive component, may be used. As theultraviolet blocking film, for example, those that a layer comprising aknown additive having an ultraviolet blocking function is formed on oneside of a known pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used. As theultraviolet blocking pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example,EW1501-D1-UV, EW1502-D1-UV or EW1504-D1-UV from DAIO Paper Co. may beused, without being limited thereto.

Advantageous Effects

The present application relates to a transmittance variable opticaldevice and a use thereof.

The optical device according to the present application can effectivelycontrol the stress strengthening phenomenon capable of being causeddepending on the difference in physical properties between therespective layers and the resulting bending phenomenon of the device.

The optical device according to the present application can also have alow haze value even in the absence of the external action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 4 are one illustrative diagram of an optical device accordingto the present application.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present application will be described in more detail byway of examples, but they are only examples limited to the gist of thepresent application. Furthermore, it is apparent to those skilled in theart that the present application is not limited to the processconditions set forth in the following examples and the conditions may beoptionally selected within the range of conditions necessary forachieving the object of the present application.

Example 1

According to the following method, an optical device having thestructure as shown in FIG. 2 was produced.

After an ITO electrode layer was formed on a PET base layer and anotherITO electrode layer was formed on a known absorptive type linearpolarizing layer, photo-alignment films to induce horizontal orientationof a liquid crystal compound were formed on two ITO electrode layers.Then, a liquid crystal layer (thickness: about 15 μm) comprising aliquid crystal compound (HPC21600, manufactured by HCCH) and ananisotropic dye (X12, manufactured by BASF) in a ratio of 1 to 3 partsby weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal compoundwas formed on the PET base layer on which the ITO electrode layer andthe photo-alignment film were formed, and the sides were sealed. Then,the absorptive type linear polarizing layer on which the photo-alignmentfilm and the ITO electrode layer were formed and the PET base layer onwhich the liquid crystal layer was formed were bonded together tomanufacture a structure in which the liquid crystal window and thepolarizing layer were integrally formed, as shown in FIG. 2. Then, theopposite side of the surface of the polarizing layer in contact with theliquid crystal window was bonded together to a glass substrate via OCA(EW1501-D1-UV from DAIO Paper Co., Ltd.) to prepare an optical device.The optical axes of the polarizing layer and the liquid crystal layerwere formed to have an angle of about 90 degrees.

Example 2

According to the following method, an optical device having thestructure shown in FIG. 3 was produced.

An ITO electrode layer and a horizontal photo-alignment film were formedon a pair of polycarbonate base layers, respectively. Then, a twistnematic liquid crystal layer (thickness: about 15 μm) comprising aliquid crystal compound (HPC21600, manufactured by HCCH), a chiral agent(LC756 from BASF), and an anisotropic dye (X12, manufactured by BASF) ina ratio of 1 to 3 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of theliquid crystal compound was formed on the polycarbonate base layer onwhich the ITO electrode layer and the photo-alignment film were formed,and the sides were sealed. In addition, two polycarbonate base layerswere bonded together to prepare a liquid crystal window having thestructure as shown in FIG. 3. Then, the liquid crystal window wasattached to any one side of a known absorptive type linear polarizinglayer via a fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (silicone oil), andthe surface of the polarizing layer to which the liquid crystal windowwas not attached was bonded together to a glass substrate via OCA(EW1501-D1-UV from DAIO Paper Co., Ltd.) to prepare an optical devicelike the structure shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the long axisdirection of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layerlocated close to the polarizing layer forms an angle of about 0 degreewith the absorption axis of the polarizing layer, and the long axisdirection of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layerlocated away from the polarizing layer forms an angle of about 90degrees with the absorption axis of the polarizing layer.

Example 3

According to the following method, an optical device having thestructure as shown in FIG. 4 was produced.

An ITO electrode layer and a horizontal photo-alignment film were formedon a pair of polycarbonate base layers, respectively. Then, a twistnematic liquid crystal layer (thickness: about 15 μm) comprising aliquid crystal compound (HPC21600, manufactured by HCCH), a chiral agent(LC756 from BASF), and an anisotropic dye (X12, manufactured by BASF) ina ratio of 1 to 3 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of theliquid crystal compound was formed on the polycarbonate base layer onwhich the ITO electrode layer and the photo-alignment film were formed,and the sides were sealed. In addition, two polycarbonate base layerswere bonded together to prepare a liquid crystal window having thestructure as shown in FIG. 4. After the liquid crystal window and aknown absorptive type linear polarizing layer were laminated withoutinterposing the adhesive layer or the adhesive layer, a pair of glasssubstrates were laminated on the outside of the liquid crystal windowand the absorptive type linear polarizing layer to prepare an opticaldevice having the structure shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the long axisdirection of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layerlocated close to the polarizing layer forms an angle of about 0 degreewith the absorption axis of the polarizing layer, and the long axisdirection of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layerlocated away from the polarizing layer forms an angle of about 90degrees with the absorption axis of the polarizing layer.

Example 4

An optical device was prepared in the same structure and manner asExample 1, except that in the process of forming the optical deviceaccording to Example 1, a black spacer was formed and then two layerswere bonded together to produce a liquid crystal window.

Example 5

An optical device was prepared in the same structure and manner asExample 2, except that in the process of forming the optical deviceaccording to Example 2, a black spacer was formed and then two layerswere bonded together to produce a liquid crystal window.

Example 6

An optical device was prepared in the same structure and manner asExample 3, except that in the process of forming the optical deviceaccording to Example 3, a black spacer was formed and then two layerswere bonded together to produce a liquid crystal window.

Comparative Example 1

An optical device having the following structure was produced.

Specifically, after preparing a liquid crystal window in the same manneras Example 2, any one side of the liquid crystal window was bondedtogether to a glass substrate via OCA (EW1501-D1-UV from DAIO Pater,Co., Ltd.) and the other side was bonded together to an absorptive typepolarizing layer via OCA (EW1501-D1-UV from DAIO Pater, Co., Ltd.) toprepare an optical device having a structure of glasssubstrate/OCA/liquid crystal window/OCA/polarizing layer. At this time,the long axis direction of the liquid crystal compound in the liquidcrystal layer located close to the polarizing layer forms an angle of 90degrees with the absorption axis of the polarizing layer, and the longaxis direction of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystallayer located away from the polarizing layer forms an angle of 0 degreeswith the absorption axis of the polarizing layer.

Test Example 1—Durability Test

Specimens (140 mm (width)×98 mm (length)×0.2 mm (height)) of the opticaldevices prepared according to Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Example 1were left at 100° C. for 240 hours, and then it was confirmed whether ornot breakage/bending phenomenon of the liquid crystal windows is presentand shown in Table 1.

The breakage of the device was visually checked and evaluated as 0 (withbreakage) and X (without breakage), and the bending distance of thedevice was measured for a portion deformed and dented inward from bothedges of the longest side of only the device without breakage by avernier caliper.

Test Example 2—Evaluation of Transmittance and Haze Characteristics

For the optical devices prepared in Examples 1 to 3 and ComparativeExample 1, after connecting a power source capable of applying avertical electric field thereto, the transmittance of the optical devicefor light of about 550 nm according to the driving voltage (20V) wasmeasured using a haze meter NDH 5000SP [manufacturer: Nippon Denshoku(JAPAN)]. In addition, for the optical devices prepared in Examples 4 to6 and Comparative Example 1, the haze was measured using a haze meterNDH 5000SP [manufacturer: Nippon Denshoku (JAPAN)), and the results wereshown in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 C. Ex. 1 Liquid crystal X XX X X X ◯ window breakage Bending distance 1 mm 1 mm 0 mm 1 mm 1 mm 0 mm— or or or or less less less less (Ex.: Example; C. Ex.: ComparativeExample)

TABLE 2 Driving Evaluation (%) Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 C.Ex. 1 Transmit-  0 V 1.21 1.51 1.14 1.35 1.41 1.34 1.36 tance 20 V 24.625.0 26.2 24.8 25.2 26.1 25.0 Haze  0 V — — — 4.96 4.88 4.54 12.2 20 V —— — 3.02 3.05 3.56 2.36 (Ex.: Example; C. Ex.: Comparative Example)

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1000: optical device    -   100 a, b: first and second substrates    -   200: first polarizing layer    -   300: liquid crystal window    -   301: liquid crystal layer    -   302 a, b: alignment films    -   303 a, b: electrode layers    -   304: sealant    -   305 a, b: base layers    -   400: pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or adhesive layer

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The optical device according to the present application can effectivelycontrol the stress strengthening phenomenon capable of being causeddepending on the difference in physical properties between therespective layers and the resulting bending phenomenon of the device,and can have a low haze value even in the absence of the externalaction.

1. An optical device having a liquid crystal window comprising a firstsubstrate; a first polarizing layer disposed adjacent to said firstsubstrate; and a liquid crystal layer having a liquid crystal compound,present in the opposite side of the surface of said first polarizinglayer on which the first substrate is located, wherein transmittancevaries depending on whether or not an external action is applied.
 2. Theoptical device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal compoundis in a horizontal orientation, a vertical orientation or an obliqueorientation in the absence of the external action.
 3. The optical deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a second polarizing layerlocated on the opposite side of the surface on which the firstpolarizing layer of the liquid crystal window is located.
 4. The opticaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer furthercomprises an anisotropic dye.
 5. The optical device according to claim1, wherein the liquid crystal window further comprises an alignment filmdisposed adjacent to the liquid crystal layer.
 6. The optical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal window furthercomprises an electrode layer.
 7. The optical device according to claim1, wherein the liquid crystal window further comprises a sealant locatedon both sides of the liquid crystal layer.
 8. The optical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal window furthercomprises a spacer formed to be capable of maintaining gaps of thelayers existing at the top and bottom of the liquid crystal layer. 9.The optical device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer is a blackspacer.
 10. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the liquidcrystal window further comprises a base layer located on one side orboth sides of the liquid crystal layer.
 11. The optical device accordingto claim 10, wherein the base layer is located only on any one side ofthe liquid crystal layer, and the first polarizing layer is in directcontact with the liquid crystal window.
 12. The optical device accordingto claim 10, wherein the base layer is located on both sides of theliquid crystal layer, and the first polarizing layer is attached to theliquid crystal window via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or anadhesive layer.
 13. The optical device according to claim 12, whereinthe first polarizing layer is attached to the liquid crystal window viaa fluid pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
 14. The optical deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first polarizing layer is in directcontact with the first substrate or attached to the first substrate viaan adhesive layer or a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
 15. Theoptical device according to claim 14, wherein any one side of the firstpolarizing layer is in direct contact with the first substrate and theother side is in direct contact with the liquid crystal window.
 16. Theoptical device according to claim 15, further comprising a secondsubstrate located on the opposite side of the surface where the firstpolarizing layer of the liquid crystal window contacts.
 17. The opticaldevice according to claim 1, wherein a bending distance is 3 mm or lessafter a heat resistance test at a temperature of 100° C. for 240 hours.18. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising aviewing angle compensation film.
 19. A transmittance variable membercomprising the optical device of claim 1.